Parking Near Simon Fraser University: Rates, Lots and Smarter Backup Options
Parking near Simon Fraser University can become difficult on weekday mornings. However, SFU Burnaby has several visitor lots, parkades and flexible payment choices.
For example, standard visitor parking costs less than North Lot. Meanwhile, Residence West can be useful when central areas fill. Therefore, choosing a backup before driving up Burnaby Mountain can save time.
DAILY MAX
Quick Answer: Where Should Visitors Park at SFU Burnaby?
One-day visitors should use a signed hourly or daily parking area. In addition, SFU allows payment through HonkMobile or an on-site pay station.
North and East both have specific visitor sections. Therefore, do not assume every stall in those lots accepts casual parking.
South Lot, South Parkade, West Parkade and Residence West also provide visitor parking. Meanwhile, Central Parkade Upper is another daily parking location.
If the closest lot is full, move to a backup quickly. As a result, you can avoid repeated loops around busy campus roads.
SFU Burnaby Parking Rates 2026
SFU’s current hourly rates include TransLink tax and GST. However, Honk may add its own transaction fee.
Standard weekday visitor parking costs $4.75 per hour. In addition, the normal weekday daily maximum is $19.
Current Visitor Parking Prices
| Option | Hourly | Daily Max | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday General | $4.75 | $19.00 | Most one-day Burnaby visitors |
| North Lot | $6.00 | $30.00 | North-side convenience |
| Evenings & Weekends | $4.75 | $9.50 | Evening classes and weekend visits |
| Residence West Early Bird | $4.75 | $9.50 | Arrival before 10 a.m. |
When the Daily Maximum Makes Sense
Hourly parking can be cheaper for a short appointment. However, the daily maximum becomes more relevant when you stay for several hours.
North Lot has a higher maximum than general visitor parking. Therefore, use it only when the location saves enough time to justify the extra cost.
When SFU Parking Lots Fill Up
Popular Burnaby parking areas can fill during weekday mornings. Specifically, SFU says many lots may be full by about 10:30 a.m.
North Lot can reach capacity around 9:30 a.m. on busy mornings. Meanwhile, East may fill around 10:30 a.m., and South can fill closer to 11:30 a.m.
Therefore, prepare a second lot before you start driving. Once your first option is full, changing plans early is usually faster than circling.
Best Backup Strategy
If North is full, SFU recommends trying East or South. Likewise, Residence West can be a useful backup when West Parkade reaches capacity.
The free Campus Community Shuttle can also reduce the disadvantage of parking farther away. As a result, South or Residence West may be more practical than waiting for a central stall.
Best SFU Burnaby Parking Lots and Parkades
The best lot depends on your final building. Therefore, use the options below as a practical starting point.
North Lot
North is useful for northern and central academic destinations. However, weekday visitor parking costs more here than in standard lots.
The lot now has a clearly separated visitor area and permit area. In addition, North is part of SFU’s real-time parking availability pilot.
East Lot
East works well for eastern campus buildings and the UniverCity side. Moreover, its 2026 layout separates visitor parking from permit-only areas.
Visitors can use the signed visitor section with hourly, daily or FlexPass parking. Therefore, check the area sign before paying.
South Lot and South Parkade
South becomes especially useful when North or East is already full. In addition, the free campus shuttle can help with the longer distance.
This option can save time during the morning rush. Instead of circling central lots, park legally and continue by shuttle or foot.
West Parkade
West Parkade is convenient for athletics, recreation and west-campus visits. For example, it can work well for the Lorne Davies Complex and event trips.
Varsity events may use special Honk pricing. Therefore, check event instructions before starting a normal parking session.
Residence West Lot
Residence West is useful for overflow and west-side access. Moreover, an early-bird daily maximum of $9.50 applies when the published conditions are met.
The walk can be longer than from a central lot. Nevertheless, the shuttle can make this option practical.
Central Parkade Upper
Central Parkade Upper is listed as a valid daily and hourly parking location. Therefore, visitors can consider it when its location suits their destination.
Other levels or reserved areas may follow different rules. For that reason, always follow the signs inside the parkade.
Which SFU Parking Area Should You Choose?
How to Pay for SFU Parking
SFU offers pay stations and HonkMobile for casual parking. Therefore, you do not need a semester permit for a one-day visit.
Pay Stations
On-site machines accept Visa or Mastercard. However, SFU states that cash and coins are not accepted.
HonkMobile
Honk can be used through the app or a web browser. In addition, Visa Debit and PayPal are available through the online system.
A separate provider transaction fee may apply. Consequently, the final Honk total can be slightly higher than the base rate.
Use the Correct Zone
Daily and hourly Burnaby locations use specific Honk zones. For example, North, East, South, South Parkade, West and Residence West each have their own zone.
Therefore, confirm the sign beside your vehicle before paying. Paying for the wrong lot may not create valid proof of parking.
Check the Licence Plate
Your plate acts as an important parking credential. For that reason, enter every letter and number carefully.
Rental and borrowed vehicles need extra attention. In particular, characters such as O and 0 can be easy to confuse.
SFU FlexPass: Is It Worth Buying?
FlexPass is designed for people who drive to campus around one or two days per week. As a result, it can be more flexible than a full permit.
The 2026 price is $88 for 10 daily permits. In addition, the multipack remains valid for one year after purchase.
Where FlexPass Works
FlexPass works in the visitor areas of North and East. It is also valid in South, South Parkade, West Parkade and Residence West.
However, it does not work in every parking space. Permit-only and reserved areas remain restricted.
When FlexPass Makes Sense
Regular occasional commuters can benefit most. For example, someone driving one day per week may use the pack gradually.
A daily parker who visits campus almost every weekday should compare permit pricing instead. Therefore, estimate your actual driving frequency before buying.
Is There Free Parking Near Simon Fraser University?
There is no free parking in SFU Burnaby campus parking lots. Therefore, avoid parking on campus without a valid session or permit.
UniverCity Street Parking
Nearby UniverCity streets have their own rules. For example, University Crescent has a two-hour parking maximum.
University High Street also includes short 15-minute parking. Consequently, these spaces are not suitable substitutes for an all-day class or campus visit.
City of Burnaby Street Rules
Legal public street parking elsewhere in Burnaby is generally first come, first served unless signs say otherwise. However, non-residents can be limited to three hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Local signs can create stricter restrictions. Therefore, never rely on a general city rule when a posted sign gives a shorter limit.
Accessible Parking at SFU Burnaby
Visitor accessible stalls are available in most Burnaby parking areas. However, a valid SPARC card alone is not enough.
Visitors must also have valid hourly or daily parking. Alternatively, a valid permit can cover parking where that permit is accepted.
Avoid Reserved Accessible Stalls
Some accessible stalls are marked as reserved. Therefore, casual daily parking is not valid in those assigned spaces.
Check both the accessible sign and the parking-area rules before leaving the vehicle. As a result, you can avoid using a reserved stall by mistake.
Ongoing Student Accommodation
Students who need regular accessible parking can contact SFU Parking. Meanwhile, students without a SPARC card who need temporary accommodation should begin with the Centre for Accessible Learning.
EV Charging at SFU Burnaby
SFU Burnaby provides Level 1 and Level 2 charging. However, the parking requirement still applies in EV spaces.
Important November 2026 Change
Level 2 charging moves to a cost-recovery model from November 1, 2026. Therefore, users will pay both the applicable parking cost and electricity based on BC Hydro rates.
Level 1 charging in West Parkade 6000 remains complimentary for indoor permit holders. In addition, SFU lists 42 Level 1 spaces there.
Use the Free Campus Community Shuttle
Parking farther away does not always mean a difficult trip. In fact, SFU’s Campus Community Shuttle connects several parking and campus areas.
When the Shuttle Helps Most
South and Residence West can be smart overflow options. Therefore, the shuttle can help you avoid searching repeatedly for a central parking space.
SFU lists shuttle service approximately every 30 minutes on weekdays. In addition, the service is free to use.
Service timing can change during breaks or operational disruptions. For that reason, check the current shuttle page before relying on it.
Parking for SFU Events and Athletics
Special events can use different parking instructions. Therefore, check the event email or coordinator information before arrival.
Varsity Events
West Parkade often serves athletic destinations. In addition, SFU notes that Varsity events may use special rates through Honk zone 9359.
A normal visitor session may not be the best event choice. Consequently, review the game-day parking information before paying.
Large Campus Events
Conferences, ceremonies and major events can change parking demand. Therefore, arrive earlier and keep a second parking area in mind.
How to Avoid an SFU Parking Citation
Most parking problems are preventable. First, confirm that your stall accepts the parking product you intend to use.
Do Not Park in Permit-Only Sections
North and East now have clearly separated visitor and permit areas. Therefore, a valid hourly payment does not automatically make a permit-only stall legal.
Pay for the Full Stay
SFU states that paid parking is required 24 hours a day. Consequently, evenings, weekends and holidays still require valid parking.
Do Not Use Fire Lanes
Many Burnaby campus access roads are treated as fire lanes. Therefore, roadside stopping should not be used as a parking shortcut.
Keep Proof of Payment
Save the Honk confirmation or pay-station record until you leave campus. In addition, photograph the nearby parking sign if the area is unfamiliar.
SFU Parking Checklist
Before Driving Up Burnaby Mountain
Arrival Checklist
After Parking
Simon Fraser University Burnaby Parking Map
The map below helps with the main drive to SFU Burnaby. However, it should not replace SFU’s parking signs or official campus map.
Use the Lot Name for the Final Approach
Burnaby campus contains several parking lots and parkades. Therefore, know the name of your chosen location before reaching the final campus roads.
8888 University Drive • Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6 Open Google Maps
Official SFU Parking Resources
Parking layouts, availability and rates can change. Therefore, use SFU’s own pages for final confirmation before parking.
Rates and Daily Parking
Parking Locations and Accessibility
Need a Broader Simon Fraser University Parking Guide?
This article focuses mainly on finding parking near the Burnaby campus. However, SFU also operates in Surrey and Vancouver.
Therefore, use the broader guide when you need campus-by-campus parking details rather than Burnaby-only planning.
Parking Near Simon Fraser University FAQs
These answers cover the most common questions about SFU Burnaby parking. In addition, the prices reflect the current 2026 published rates.